April 9 – The Day of Valor in the Philippines

Posted
on April 9, 2016

Today
Filipinos have an opportunity to remember and honor the courage of
their fighters during World War II. Most people have the day off for
work, and it tends to be a family day. Also, there are parades for
veterans and a presidential speech at a shrine on Mt. Samat.

It's
an interesting choice of a date, since April 9, 1942, was a day of
defeat and surrender. More than 76,000 Filipino, Chinese, and
American soldiers were surrendered to the Japanese and were then
forced to hike about 90 miles to a camp. Thousands died on that hike
– and because of this it is called the Bataan Death March – but
the captured soldiers dealt with the suffering in a downright heroic
way. Also, the fighting before the surrender was seen as key to
slowing down the Japanese progress in the Pacific. Eventually, of
course, American and Filipino forces retook the Bataan peninsula, won
the war, and released the prisoners who survived.

What
makes the Philippines special?

The
gorgeous Pacific islands that make up the Philippines are known for
their beaches, rainforests, mountains, and diving. Take a peek:

Above, rice terracesBelow, the "Chocolate Hills" of Bohol

Above, the Hinautan Enchanted RiverBelow, Kawasan Falls

Above, Palawan IslandBelow, one of the gorgeous reefs

Above, Taal Volcano's crater lakeBelow, Tinago Falls

The Philippines are also known for people who have fun and carry on even during flooding and rainstorms:

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This site is designed to be a source of interesting articles for kids and a resource for teachers and parents (especially homeschool teacher/parents!). From world holidays to historical anniversaries, Every Day Is Special celebrates each and every day.